The Mandsaur Inscription is a 7th-century Sanskrit inscription found in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a bilingual inscription, written in both Sanskrit and Prakrit. The inscription is significant for its historical and linguistic value. It provides information about the reign of the Gupta king Kumaragupta I, and it is also an important source of information about the Prakrit language.
The inscription was discovered in 1913 by a team of archaeologists led by Sir John Marshall. The inscription is carved on a large stone slab, which is now housed in the Archaeological Museum in Gwalior. The inscription is dated to the year 605 CE.
The inscription is written in two columns, with the Sanskrit text on the left and the Prakrit text on the right. The Sanskrit text is in the Gupta script, while the Prakrit text is in the Nagari script. The inscription is about 10 feet long and 3 feet wide.
The inscription begins with a salutation to the sun god, Surya. It then goes on to praise the Gupta king Kumaragupta I. The inscription states that Kumaragupta I was a wise and just ruler, and that he was a great patron of the arts and sciences. The inscription also states that Kumaragupta I was a devout Hindu, and that he built many temples and monasteries.
The inscription then goes on to describe the construction of a new temple in Mandsaur. The temple was dedicated to the god Vishnu, and it was built by Kumaragupta I’s son, Skandagupta. The inscription states that the temple was built of white marble, and that it was decorated with gold and silver.
The inscription concludes with a prayer for the well-being of Kumaragupta I and his family.
The Mandsaur Inscription is a valuable source of information about the Gupta dynasty and the history of India. It is also an important source of information about the Prakrit language. The inscription is a beautiful example of Gupta art and architecture.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Mandsaur Inscription?
The Mandsaur Inscription is a 7th-century Sanskrit inscription found in Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, India. It is a bilingual inscription, written in both Sanskrit and Prakrit. The inscription is significant for its historical and linguistic value. It provides information about the reign of the Gupta king Kumaragupta I, and it is also an important source of information about the Prakrit language. - When was the Mandsaur Inscription discovered?
The Mandsaur Inscription was discovered in 1913 by a team of archaeologists led by Sir John Marshall. - Where is the Mandsaur Inscription housed?
The Mandsaur Inscription is housed in the Archaeological Museum in Gwalior. - What is the date of the Mandsaur Inscription?
The Mandsaur Inscription is dated to the year 605 CE. - What is the language of the Mandsaur Inscription?
The Mandsaur Inscription is written in two languages: Sanskrit and Prakrit. - What is the content of the Mandsaur Inscription?
The Mandsaur Inscription is a eulogy to the Gupta king Kumaragupta I. It also describes the construction of a new temple in Mandsaur. - What is the significance of the Mandsaur Inscription?
The Mandsaur Inscription is a valuable source of information about the Gupta dynasty and the history of India. It is also an important source of information about the Prakrit language.
MCQs
- The Mandsaur Inscription is a 7th-century Sanskrit inscription found in:
(A) Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh, India
(B) Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh, India
(C) Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India
(D) Delhi, India - The Mandsaur Inscription is a bilingual inscription, written in:
(A) Sanskrit and Prakrit
(B) Sanskrit and Hindi
(C) Sanskrit and Tamil
(D) Sanskrit and Telugu - The Mandsaur Inscription is significant for its:
(A) Historical value
(B) Linguistic value
(C) Both historical and linguistic value
(D) Neither historical nor linguistic value - The Mandsaur Inscription was discovered in:
(A) 1913
(B) 1914
(C) 1915
(D) 1916 - The Mandsaur Inscription is housed in the:
(A) Archaeological Museum in Gwalior
(B) National Museum in New Delhi
(C) Indian Museum in Kolkata
(D) Victoria and Albert Museum in London